Landmark Banshee restaurant still closed, windows papered over

Landmark Scranton restaurant the Banshee appears closed for the time being, and perhaps permanently.

Owners initially said they were closing the pub temporarily for vacation. But after more than six weeks, the bar/restaurant still hasn't opened. Recently, brown paper ominously covered the showroom-sized windows, just when restaurants are scheduling and hosting holiday parties. The business phone goes unanswered, with no outgoing message or ability to leave messages.

The Banshee was opened in a former warehouse in 2000 by trio Kathleen Rodgers, Melanie Call and Kathleen Hogan.

It was then purchased by current owners Nicholas and Amy Shursky in 2010. They have not returned cellphone messages or shared their plans with area business groups.

Under the couple, the Banshee, once recognized by The New York Times as an "authentic Irish pub," underwent dramatic changes. Much of the Irish décor, some of which had been donated by Banshee customers fresh from trips to Ireland, was replaced with framed photos of Scranton landmarks. Live performances of Irish music gave way to cover bands. Televisions were added to draw sports fans. Conversation pits known as "snugs," a fixture in certain Irish bars, were replaced with electronic darts. The tap system was expanded to include more than 50 draft beers. Another unique addition was pay-by-the-ounce table taps, saving patrons a trip the bar.

Those changes were not enough to retain existing customers or draw new ones.

Exposed brick walls, authentic Irish décor, a tin ceiling, a library, a 63-foot bar and a dramatic barback contributed to the atmosphere. The bar hosted raucous St. Patrick's Day Parade gatherings as a must-stop for bagpipers, who would work their way through the crowd to the stage for impromptu performances. The Banshee hosted Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams and human rights activist Oistin MacBride.

The downtown has lost several pubs in recent year, including Whistle's Pub & Eatery and Farley's Eatery & Pub , which both closed earlier this year.

Contact the writer: dfalchek@timesshamrock.com

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